Garrett: Anthony Spencer Is One Of The Better 3-4 Linebackers In The League

Spencer was given the franchise tag by the Cowboys on Monday

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Jason Garrett has no reservations about the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to slap the franchise tag on outside linebacker Anthony Spencer.

Speaking in response to the well-anticipated move, Garrett didn’t hold back in his praise of Spencer, who he believes to be among the upper echelon of 3-4 linebackers in the league.

"You compare him to guys around the league who play his position, he's among the better outside linebackers in a 3-4 defense," Garrett said, per ESPN Dallas. "So we had that ability to use the franchise tag and we're excited to use it in his situation and excited to have him back and be a part of what our defense is going to be."

Spencer is due around $8.8 million with the tag, and is entering his sixth season in the NFL. And although he has never recorded more than six sacks in a season, he has earned some esteem from the staff in Dallas for his work as a run-stopper opposite the pass-rush savant that is DeMarcus Ware.